Help With My Elf

Visiting elf idea

Santa Report Desk

The elf is still at a clipboard, mid-report to Santa, which is why the seat did not change.

  • Everyday
  • Anywhere
  • Nice
  • No mess
  • Household items
  • 5 minutes
  • Toddler-safe
  • Pet-safe
  • Backup
Pip, a handmade visiting elf — a stand-in until this idea’s illustration is ready

What you need

These are household pieces. Borrow from the junk drawer first.

Paid link — we may earn a commission if you buy.

Affiliate links use tag tinkerdiversi-20 and go to Amazon search results, not a specific product.

How to set it up

  1. 1

    Leave the elf where it already sits, unless that spot is unsafe. Then move it onto the clipboard.

  2. 2

    Set a pencil and a half-written note beside it.

  3. 3

    Write kind things only. Skip scores, mistakes, and threats.

  4. 4

    End with: I fell asleep on the page. Same seat. Sorry.

If this night works, try next

Napkin Wrapped Spoon Gift. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
5 minutesNo mess

Napkin Wrapped Spoon Gift

The elf wraps a wooden spoon in a napkin like a present and leaves it on the hall table.

Everyday · Anywhere · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Mixed-Up Shoes by the Door. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
5 minutesNo mess

Mixed-Up Shoes by the Door

The elf sits in a jumble of mismatched shoes by the door as if it spent the night swapping pairs.

Everyday · Anywhere · Naughty · Household items · Toddler-safe

Pip, a handmade visiting elf — a stand-in until this idea’s illustration is ready
5 minutesNo mess

Thermostat Cozy Mode

The elf tapes a cozy-mode sticky note near the thermostat without touching the settings.

Everyday · Anywhere · Slightly naughty · Household items · Toddler-safe

Unofficial. Not affiliated with The Elf on the Shelf® / CCA and B, LLC / The Lumistella Company.